If ever he won that Best Player of the Conference title, Arvin Tolentino said he would like to share pieces of the award with his teammates at the NorthPort Batang Pier.
There’s a big chance NorthPort star Arvin Tolentino will take home the Best Player of the Conference award.
That’s because Tolentino is running second behind eight-time MVP June Mar Fajardo, whose team failed to advance to the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup playoffs.
Now that he led the Batang Pier to the semifinals, it is likely the former FEU main man will clinch the coveted individual plum.
“It’s a big reward big bous for me if ever I win that,” said Tolentino.
At the end of the elimination round, Tolentino amassed 39.9 statistical points (SPs) after norming 23.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.1 blocks while leading the Batang Pier to the No. 1 spot.
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Fajardo, who already won a record 11 BPC plums, currently tops the race with 42 SPs on the strength of 20.1 points, 16.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.0 block.
Not too far behind is NLEX leader Robert Bolick, who wound up third in the list with 37.1 SPs. But like Fajardo, his squad never made it to the postseason.
Tolentino, though, is not exactly fixated on winning the award.
He said he wants to capitalize on this incredible run and continue making history with the Batang Pier.
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“I’m really focused on winning more or getting to the Finals,” he said.
“Magandang recognition yun pero deserve din nag teammates ko yun eh. If I can share it with them, pieces of that award, if ever I win that. Everyone in my team deserves that,” he said.
NorthPort engages Ginebra in the best-of-seven semifinals beginning on February 26.
“Exciting,” he said when asked about facing Ginebra. Tolentino put up 29 points in the elimination round matchup against his former team.
“Syempre playing against Ginebra mga kumpare ko na rin mga players dun. It’s always fun and exciting time for me going up against them kasi may pinagsamahan din kami.”
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